At approximately 5:45 p.m. on Monday evening several reports were made to the Santa Barbara Fire Department regarding massive flames, as called in by
multiple reporting parties. In addition, several motorists stopped at Station 1, on W. Carrillo Street to alert firefighters about the blaze. We were enjoying
the sunset from Channel Drive when we noticed very visible flames erupting from the “alligator.”

Crews from Station 1 were first to arrive on scene, four minutes after the initial report was received. The
Captain from Engine 1 immediately recognized the need for additional help, and called for more
firefighters and other resources.

In all, 9 Engines and 40 firefighters were on scene, including firefighters from SBFD and SB Co. Fire.
Montecito FD provided backup coverage for the eastern part of the City while the fire was being fought.

As part of the very aggressive response to this vegetation fire, a helicopter was requested. Because SB
County's helicopter was in service with another call, a helicopter from Ventura Co. was requested. At
6:05, the request for Ventura's helicopter was withdrawn due to the fact that the fire was under control
by then.

At least two structures in the 400 block of Miramonte Dr. were threatened, which led to a potential
evacuation order. Firefighters were able to defend the homes from one of the residences located directly
above Loma Alta. Luckily, the firefighters' immediate response saved the homes from serious damage.
At least one of the homes, a patio enclosure suffered some minor damage when the glass panels blew
out from the heat of the advancing flames.

On scene were interim Fire Chief Patrick McElroy and the Fire Investigator. It was noted that the low
humidity and low winds were advantageous to the firefighting effort, along with the moist hillside on
which the blaze began. Less helpful were the very steep, muddy conditions of the hillside, which is
covered in large patches of poison oak.

Paramedics were on scene, but luckily, as of this time, no civilians nor firefighters were injured in the
efforts. SBPD provided traffic control.

Firefighters will remain on scene throughout most of the night for mop up and to ensure that no flare-
ups occur. An investigator will also be inspecting the scene, as well as interviewing witnesses to
discover the cause of the fire.

This was the third of three vegetation fires today, and we questioned firefighters about this. While there
is no definitive cause for this fire, investigators and fire personnel will be working to determine whether
it is coincidence, or whether there is a relationship with any or all of todays three vegetation fires.

Thank you firefighters for your amazing efforts and for your heroic work today keeping our town safe.